Apple pulls app denounced by U professor

Article by: PAUL WALSH

Star Tribune

March 23, 2011 - 8:40 PM

Apple Inc. said Wednesday that it has pulled an app from its online store after a University of Minnesota sexuality professor contended that it was manipulating his research to support the argument that homosexuality is a behavior that can be changed.

"It's official," said a tweet from Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, the Florida-based group behind the app. "Incredibly disappointing. Watch out, it could happen to you."

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said Wednesday, "We removed the Exodus International app from the App Store because it violates our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people."

Dr. Gary Remafedi, director of the Youth and AIDS Projects and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, sent a letter on Monday to Apple founder Steve Jobs and its interim CEO, Tim Cook, about the app. Remafedi wrote that it "erroneously cites my research in support of claims that homosexuality can be changed. ... Associating my work with that of the ex-gay ministry and other unfounded treatments is professionally injurious and grievous."

Exodus International, which describes itself as "the world's largest worldwide ministry to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction," says its app was "a useful resource for men, women, parents, students and ministry leaders."